The “metaverse” is known by many, but often not fully understood. We bring clarity and concrete definitions to this topic in this episode.
It is an open, shared, 3-dimensional digital environment that’s “always on” for people to exist in.
Some allow you to build worlds and games like with Roblox or Minecraft. Or, you can rage at a concert with peers like our friends at Future Fest facilitate.
In Minecraft and Roblox, once you build something, it remains almost indefinitely.
However, Future Fest customizes experiences for hyper-specific communities, like Pride Fest for Cardano.
Ultimately, there are many ways to skin…well, a Metaverse.
Metaverse Definitions
Furthermore, here are some common descriptions:
“A persistent virtual environment that allows access to and interoperability of multiple individual virtual realities.”
Merriam-Webster
“Essentially, it’s a world of endless, interconnected virtual communities where people can meet, work and play, using virtual reality headsets, augmented reality glasses, smartphone apps or other devices.”
National Public Radio (NPR)
“Broadly speaking, the technologies companies refer to when they talk about “the metaverse” can include virtual reality—characterized by persistent virtual worlds that continue to exist even when you’re not playing—as well as augmented reality that combines aspects of the digital and physical worlds.”
WIRED Magazine
“Technically, a metaverse is a collective virtual shared space, created by the convergence of virtually enhanced physical and digital reality…Eventually these destinations became sites on a virtual shared space — similar to how a metaverse will develop.”
Gartner
Now that you have some operating words in mind, let’s launch into the episode.
For this one we brought back our Immersive Technology Correspondent, Eric Azares, long time friend and contributor to the show.
After listening to this episode, you will learn:
- Some common metaverse definitions and characteristics
- How streaming makes for a smoother experience
- A look at different types of platforms
- How they are like digital playgrounds
- Why Corporations are taking BIG bets on Metaverse
- How the future of adoption is still up in the air
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Metaverse Show Notes
- What is the Metaverse? An Explanation and in-depth guide | Tech Target
- What Is the Metaverse, Exactly? | WIRED
- What is a Metaverse? | Gartner
- What the Metaverse is and how it will work | NPR
- VR Chat
- Spatial
- Minecraft
- Roblox
- Horizon Worlds
- (Mozilla) Hubs
- Sandbox
- Upland
- The Uplift World
- Future Fest
Action Items
- Consider what experience you want (e.g. Explore, Gaming, Connecting with Peers and Community)
- Visit Mozilla Hubs and click “Explore Hubs” take a look around this world (Can be done on a Computer or even Phone).
- Next, take a look at Horizon Worlds
- Think about how this could be used as a more lively “Zoom” or meeting app (What do you like and dislike?)
- Check out Minecraft or Roblox, what are your initial reactions?
- Next, take a peek at Upland and The Uplift World, note your likes and dislikes
- Are you drawn to building your own worlds? Community gathering? Gaming?
- Brainstorm how these Metaverse platforms could fit into your preferences or not
